Moses Itauma and his team are plotting his next move and now an American heavyweight has thrown his hat into the ring.
Itauma has risen very quickly through the ranks. He has now had 13 fights and won 11 of them by stoppage. Ever more impressively, nine of those KOs have come inside the first two rounds, and last time out he made his biggest statement yet when he stopped former world title challenger Dillian Whyte inside two minutes.
He declared himself ready for Oleksandr Usyk afterwards, though many have advised him to build more slowly.
In a new interview with Sean Zittel, Richard Torrez issued a challenge to his fellow young rising star.
“I want that Itauma fight. I think that would be a great fight. Everyone wants to know if he’s ready for Usyk or not. Look at me, I’m a lefty. I’m a heavyweight. I move a lot. I have pressure. I punch a lot. Let’s see how it goes.
“I understand he wants the belt but were both young heavyweights, we’re both at it, we’re both willing and able. I’m not going to duck that fight. I would love to have that fight. Let’s put some action together. I know the UK fans are amazing people, amazing fights fans, I say that’s a great fight to make happen and make happen quick. Outside the ring I’m a pretty placid guy but inside the ring, you put a baby in there, I’m gonna punch that baby, man.”
Torrez is 26 years old and his record is currently 13 and 0 with 11 knockouts. Most recently he beat tough Guido Vianello on points back in April.
Itauma had been linked with a fight with Kubat Pulev, but the Bulgarian WBA Regular Champion has instead announced a fight against Murat Gassiev in December. Itauma now looks more likely to return in early 2026.
